The annual Quad Cities (Lewiston, Clarkston, Moscow, Pullman) Walk to End Alzheimer's was this past Saturday, September 27. It was the second time I joined the walk. The first time was September 2021. My husband, Gary had passed away with Alzheimer's in October the previous year. I was blessed to have the support of several friends as they joined me to walk for Team Gary Dobbs.
The following years I stayed away from participating. It seemed the 'Walk' date always conflicted with other appointments, activities, travel plans I had on my calendar. Or maybe there was another deeper, darker reason. I didn't want to associate with the enemy - the wretched disease that stole my darling husband from me. From our sons and grandchildren. The evil Alzheimer's who left me without my soulmate; my life partner, my love. I didn't want to be reminded of Al. - of the thief and killer it was. And is.
But somewhere tendered away in my heart I understood it's not just me and my family Al has robbed and shattered. 7.2 million people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's (with projections reaching 13.6 million by 2060). Nearly every one has known someone - family member, friend, neighbor who has been touched by this dreaded disease. At Saturday's gathering each participant was asked to choose a colored cloth flower to hold while walking. Purple to represent the death of a loved one, Blue for someone living with Alzheimer's or Dementia, Yellow for a caregiver, Orange for someone who supports the cause, and White for hope there will soon be a cure. Hope. There is always hope. One reason for The Walk is to give witness to Hope. To encourage one another. Those of us who have taken this unplanned for, unwanted journey, and those on it now. To bring awareness, and raise funds for studies that will have positive results in finding a vaccine to defeat, and eliminate the evil Alzheimer's. Hope that there will be a cure.
And yes, to be reminded. Sorrowful though it is. Reminded Alzheimer's doesn't strike just one family, one household, one community, one country but attacks wherever it chooses, to whom it chooses. Unexpected. Always leaving anguish and heartache, and loss in its path. To be reminded the battle goes on, even after the passing of our loved one. Until there's a cure there will always be someone else suffering the slow ravages of Alzheimer's and needing the support of a kindred spirit.
While researchers believe age, family history, Genetics, and certain medical conditions contribute to Alzheimer's, as of yet there isn't a single link to what the cause is. According to some studies there are multiple factors, including mutations in genes, and the accumulation of two proteins in the brain. According to the Alzheimer's Association web site, of 7.2 million people age 65 or older with Alzheimer's in the U.S., 4.4 million are women. Another study shows a higher percentage of Latino and Afro-American men have Alzheimer's over white males. And because Finland has the highest rate of Alzheimer's, climate is being looked at as a possible cause.
To Hope. To believe. To walk and carry on. I've already committed to next year's Walk to End Alzheimer's. Along with the Purple flower signaling my husband has died, I will also carry a White flower showing I remain hopeful that someday there will be a cure.
*** For more information about Alzheimer's, in of need help and support, or looking for a Walk to End Alzheimer's event in your area please visit Alz.org
Kath, I think it’s wonderful that you participated, again! God must’ve been whispering in your ear. I’m sure you were cheered on by many…first and foremost the love of your life, Gary.❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you my niece and please know I feel the same way. I wish that a cure is found in out life time 💖
ReplyDeleteOh Kathy such wonderful , heartfelt words to fill us with hope for the cure of this dreaded disease that ravages our world. I only know that because of it I was blessed with meeting you and many others that I would have never known and for that I am grateful. We carry on together in this Alz journey remembering and thankful that we had many years of joy with our spouses and loved ones that made us who we are today. Blessings to you always. 💜💜💜💜
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